The Energy Efficiency in Public Administration Programme "ECO.AP", launched by the Portuguese Government through Resolution of the Council of Ministers no. 2/2011, of January 12, aims to achieve a 30% energy efficiency level in the agencies and services of the Public Administration until 2020, this efficiency being achieved without increasing public spending while allowing the economy to stimulate the energy services sector.
In order to achieve these objectives, a specific public procurement procedure has been created that allows the conclusion of an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) with Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) that are duly registered and qualified for this purpose.
The National Energy Agency (ADENE) has developed the Energy Efficiency Barometer for Public Administration (ECO.AP Barometer), which has been in operation since May 24, 2018, with the objective of characterizing, comparing and disseminating the energy performance of different Public Administration entities, thus supporting the policies and measures to promote the efficient use of energy resources in the public sector.
By the end of the first half of 2018, 123 Local Energy Managers were appointed responsible for promoting and verifying measures to improve energy efficiency within the Public Administration. Local Energy Managers are also responsible for uploading the data from buildings under their responsibility in the ECO.AP Barometer.
Information sessions will be held in 11 cities on the continent, in which a total of 500 Local Energy Managers and 150 Senior Managers are expected to be involved. Energy efficiency experts will assist Local Energy Managers and Senior Managers by providing them with information to raise awareness of the need to implement energy efficiency measures and good practices to generate energy savings in state buildings.
Topics such as energy management, renewable energy, lighting, thermal comfort, and financing mechanisms for implementing rational energy use measures will be addressed, and several tools developed to support stakeholders, such as a simulator and calculators to evaluate in real time the energy and economic impact of energy efficiency solutions to be implemented in the buildings of the Central Public Administration.
Lisbon hosted the first of these information and awareness sessions on June 12, 2018.
